OVERVIEW
The Bloodhound is a very active breed yet known for its well manners and calmness. They can stubborn at times that’s why they need an owner who is firm and consistent. They have massive skeletal build with wrinkled skin that helps contain scents when they are tracking something. They love children and they are gentle and affectionate although they can easily knock down a small child due to their size. They need daily walks and exercise. They have very good sense of smell that’s useful for tracking. Bloodhounds require high level of care and attention.

CHARACTERISTICS
Bloodhounds weigh from 80 to 110 pounds and stand up 27 inches in height. They have massive skeletal build. The color of its eyes varies from deep hazel to yellow and shaped like a diamond because their lower lids are dragged down. They have extremely long drooping ears yet soft to the touch. The Bloodhound have a lot of extra skin, mostly wrinkled and hanging loose around the head and neck. The legs are straight and muscular, and the tail is carried high that curves slightly above the back.

PERSONALITY
Bloodhounds are known to be well-mannered and calm. It can be difficult to train a Bloodhound because of it stubbornness and playfulness that’s why it needs an owner who is firm and with authority. They respond well to good-natured training. They love attention and entertainment. Due to its tracking instinct, it is very determined when following a smell, so it is advised to keep them inside a well-fenced area. They can be shy and sensitive around other people, but they are very devoted to their owners.

CARE
Bloodhounds are strong willed and cannot be stopped once it starts to follow a trail so it is best kept inside large fenced yards although there is still a chance that they will escape. Bloodhounds have to be leashed when taken for a walk outside. They need daily exercises and long walks. They also make great jogging companions. Bloodhounds are chewers and will chew anything that attracts their attention so it is best to train them and teach them what they can or cannot chew. Their independent characteristic makes it a bit hard to train the Bloodhound so owners must be patient and consistent all the way. Also, keep the training short since they easily get bored.

HEALTH
Bloodhounds are prone to stomach cramps so avoid exercises right after eating. Minor health issues include hip dysplasia, ear and eye infections and bloating. Some recommend a padded bed for your Bloodhounds to avoid calluses on the joints. This breed lives up to around 12 years.

FEEDING
Recommended daily serving is 4 – 8 cups of dry food to be divided into two meals.

COAT, COLOR, AND GROOMING
The Bloodhounds coat is thin and loose with short hair that has a hard texture. Softer hair appears around the ears and skull. The color of a Bloodhound varies from back and tan, liver and tan, and red. There are also markings of white, gray and brown observed on some Bloodhounds. Grooming is highly required for this breed. Brush them as often as possible to remove excess hair. Daily cleaning of the wrinkles and flews is required to prevent infections. Clean their ears as often as possible since they tend to be a breeding ground for yeast and bacteria. Brush their teeth, at least, three times a week and trim their nails at least once a month and bathe as often as needed.

DOG WITH FAMILY, CHILDREN AND OTHER PETS
Bloodhounds are excellent with children and love to play with them. They can tolerate the noise that children make and let them do whatever they want to do with them because they just love the attention. But a dog with a large body can easily knock down small children, so parental supervision is a must. They enjoy the company of other canines as well as cats. If well socialized, they will have no trouble getting along with other animals.